By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
United States President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu at the White House yesterday in order to discuss plans that would end Israel’s siege on Gaza.
The meeting held between the two leaders, which served as Nethanyahu’s fourth visit to the White House since Trump began his second term in January, aimed to present a US-sponsored deal that would bring peace to the West Bank, however there are doubts on whether Hamas will agree to these terms stipulated by the American president.
Trump and his administration presented a 20 point document which outlined a ceasefire, an exchange of hostages, a visible Israeli withdrawal in occupying Gaza, for Hamas to be disarmed and a government that will be led by an International body.
There were many things left unclear in regards to the meeting between the two leaders, especially on whether or not Palestine will be recognised as a state which Nethanyahu undisputedly rejects.
Trump proceeded to thank Nethanyahu on his cooperation to ending the war stating “Thank you for agreeing to the plan and for trusting that if we work together, we can bring an end to the death and destruction that we’ve seen for so many years, decades, even centuries.”
“It will bring back to Israel all our hostages, dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities, end its political rule, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel,” said Nethanyahu.
Despite talks over ending this war between the two leaders an official from Hamas had told the Reuters publication that they haven’t received any word of the agreement discussed between Trump and Nethanyahu; “Hamas hasn’t yet received the plan officially, nothing beyond media publication.”
Since October 7 Hamas still holds 48 hostages, 20 of whom are currently alive according to Israel.
Nethanyahu’s visit to the White House was also an effort to strengthen its relationship with its biggest partner due to Israel losing its support from the majority of the globe as many countries have agreed to recognise Palestinian state-hood at the United Nations.
In his 2024 presidential campaign Trump had emphasised that he intends to help end the war between Israel and Palestine, and within his second term in office made repeated claims that a peace agreement is very close, however there has been a lack of evidence of these claims being implemented.
There is wide scepticism over this meeting between the two leaders as many feel that this meeting is a front particularly for Trump to seem as though he is the broker of peace, even proposing to initiate the “Board of Peace” which he would chair.
The 20 bullet plan itself has raised scepticism as some of the outlines are not very clear especially in areas where Hamas and Israel tend to disagree.
Arab nations including Qatar will have to discuss with officials from Hamas to agree to the principles outlined by the Trump administration but has also emphasised that definitive negotiations will have to take place.
The Palestinian Authority which currently governs the West Bank occupied by Israel released a statement via WAFA News Agency.
“The Authority renews its joint commitment to work with the United States, regional states, and partners to end the war on Gaza through a comprehensive agreement that ensures the sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the release of hostages and prisoners, the establishment of mechanisms to protect the Palestinian people,” the statement reads.
“We have affirmed our desire for a modern, democratic, and non-militarised Palestinian state, committed to pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power,” the statement added.
The Authority is committed to modernising its government and will hold new parliamentary and presidential elections within a year of the war between Israel and Hamas, even committed to changing its school curriculum and constructing a new security force.